"Rodina" - "Yenisey": a match without cracks

      In the latest round of the Russian bandy championship's Super League, Rodina played against Krasnoyarsk's Yenisey. During the day a post appeared on the Siberian club's social media with the following comment:

      "Upon going out for the morning warm-up, the Yenisey team left the ice to avoid sustaining serious injuries. With the onset of severe frosts the Rodina stadium's field cracked. Three to four deep cracks run across the entire width of the field." (spelling and punctuation preserved).

      A little later, Rodina's social media posted the following:

      "Intensive work to eliminate the cracks is currently under way. The decision on whether to hold the game is made by the inspector and the chief referee two hours before the starting whistle."

      Apparently the repairs were done well, because the inspector gave permission to hold the match. Despite the minus-20°C cold, more than 1,100 spectators gathered in the stands.

      The match itself turned out to be one of the best in Kirov this season. With no wind or snow, the teams played lively bandy with plenty of dangerous moments. The score changed rapidly, and by halftime it was 2–2.

      In the second half one team then the other took the lead, but the tense finish belonged to our players. Final score – 6–4.

      In the league table Rodina sits in sixth place. On Saturday, in the final match of this year, they will play at home against SKA-Neftyanik from Khabarovsk. The match starts at 13:00.